From Cloud Curious to Certified : My AZ-900 Exam Experience and Ultimate Prep Guide

As someone who recently discovered a passion for cloud computing, specifically Microsoft Azure, I decided to embark on my journey by mastering the fundamental concepts. The best way to do this was by preparing for and taking the AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals Certification Exam. I am thrilled to share that I scored an impressive 873 out of 1000 marks! In this blog, I'll share my journey and offer a guide for those eager to embark on a similar path.

My Preparation Journey

Selecting the Right Study Material

When it comes to preparing for the AZ-900, Microsoft Learn is your ultimate ally. The comprehensive and exam-focused content provided by this platform is second to none. My advice? Stick to this resource like glue as your main study-guide.

Taking Advantage of Discounts

One of the smartest moves I made was enrolling in the virtual day training program which is a free technical skilling event hosted by Microsoft. This gem of a program not only enhanced my knowledge but also rewarded me with a 50% discount voucher for the AZ-900 exam. If you happen to be a Beta Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador, you're in for a treat, with access to various vouchers and discounts to save some money.

Making Effective Notes

Creating short and concise notes from the Microsoft Learn content was a game-changer for me. These notes served as quick reference points and helped solidify my grasp on key concepts.

The Exam Experience

I opted to take the exam in an online proctored mode through Pearson VUE, which went smoothly. The convenience of testing from the comfort of my home significantly reduced my stress levels.

Tackling Tricky Questions

During the exam, I noticed that not all questions were straightforward. Some seemed tricky or even out of the syllabus. To tackle this, I found that solving a plethora of practice tests was extremely helpful. Websites like examtopics ( https://www.examtopics.com/exams/microsoft/az-900/view/ ) and marczak.io ( https://marczak.io/az-900/episode-01/practice-test/ ) were instrumental in building my confidence and preparedness.

The Power of Last-Minute Revision

Never underestimate the power of last-minute revision. Going over my notes and practice test answers right before the exam was crucial in ensuring I was thoroughly prepared.

Question Formats

When I appeared for the exam, there were a total of 36 questions, but the number of questions may vary for everyone.

The AZ-900 exam features a variety of question types:

1. Yes or No questions: Straightforward statements where you decide their validity.

2. Drag and Drop (Match the following) questions: You match items from one column to another.

3. Multiple choice questions with multiple answers: Select all correct options from a list.

4. Fill in the blank questions: Complete the sentence or phrase with the correct term.

Many questions were framed as real-world scenarios, which tested not just my theoretical knowledge but also my practical understanding of how to apply cloud concepts in real situations.

Looking Ahead

While the AZ-900 is considered a foundational or entry-level certification, it’s essential to keep in mind that more advanced exams, like the Azure Administrator(AZ-104) or Azure DevOps Engineer(AZ-400) certifications, will be more extensive and dive deeper into Azure's complexities. Nonetheless, I’m committed to continuous learning and expanding my knowledge base.

Conclusion

If you're considering taking the AZ-900 exam, go for it! With the right preparation and resources, you can definitely succeed. The feeling you get when you see that you passed the exam with a great score is another level of satisfaction. Best of luck on your cloud computing journey!